USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 87
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R OBERT WHITTAKER has done mueh pio- neer work in this county, and as one of the prominent members of its agricultural com- munity, is entitled to representation in this volume. He is extensively engaged in farming and raising stock in Millbrook Township, where he owns a large and well ordered farm.
Our subject was born in Ireland, November 20, 1837, to John C. and Susannah ( Carter) Whittaker, who were also natives of the Emerald Isle. When he was eight years old he accompanied his parents in their migration from the Old World to the new. They took passage in a sail vessel at Liverpool, and after a voyage of about nine weeks, landed in New
York City, and eame directly from there to this county, that being the year 1845. John Whit- taker resided several years in the city of Peoria, where he was engaged as a laborer, and subse- quently removed to Millbrook Township and lo- cated on section 27. The land was in a wild con- dition when he settled on it, not a furrow having been turned in the virgin soil. By dint of ener- getic and hard labor from year to year he wrought a great change, and in time that tract of wild prai- rie became one of the best farms in this locality. In his death, December 10, 1886, one of the old pioneers of the county was removed, but his name and memory are still cherished as belonging to a good citizen, and a kind husband and father. His widow survives him, aud resides on the old home- stead in Millbrook Township, and though now in her eighty-eighth year, enjoys good health for one of her advanced age.
Robert Whittaker of whom we write, was reared to manhood in this county, amid the wild scenes of pioneer life. His experience of that period made him self reliant and helpful, and gave him good courage to go on with his work, and he is now comparatively rich. Ile has been a factor in the pioneer labors that were necessary to develop his county, and his own financial condition has been greatly improved. When he came to this county, the city of Peoria consisted mostly of log houses, and as there were no bridges across the river, a ferry boat was used for people who desired to go to the other side. He is the proprietor of four hun- dred and two aeres of land, which he has placed under fine cultivation, and has otherwise greatly im- proved. llis farm is pleasantly located on section 27, Millbrook Township, and here he and his fam- ily enjoy life in one of the coziests of homes.
November 6, 1864, Mr. Whittaker was united in marriage with Frances Parnell, a native of this county. Mrs. Whittaker is a native of Peoria County. and was born March 13, 1846, a daughter of William and Catherine (Goodman) Parnell. Her father is a native of England, and the mother was born in Pennsylvania, and was of German ex- traction. Sometime in the '30s they came to this county, and were early pioneers of Princeville Township, where the father pre-empted Govern-
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ment land. He is now past eighty years of age. Ile is the father of the following seven children: Eliza, wife of William Hissock, of Vermilion County; William, who lives in Vermilion County ; John, who lives in Champaign County; Frances, wife of our subject; Katie, wife of James Arm- strong, of Princeville Township; Douglas, living in Champaign County; Caroline, wife of William Meaker, of Princeville Township. The mother died April 12, 1887.
Mr. Whittaker's parents had the following children : Arthur, who lives in Peoria; Richard, a resident of Millbrook Township; Robert; Jane, wife of Mor- row P. Reed, Supervisor of Brimfield Township; and John. a resident of Toulon. Mr. and Mrs. Whittaker have five children : Arthur, born Octo- ber 17, 1865; Catherine, wife of Albert Catton, of Brimfield Township; Martha Jane, William Rob- ert, and Charles Leroy.
Mr. Whittaker might well be proud of the fact that his fortune has been of his own making; his hands and brain have been busily employed in its upbuilding, as he had no other capital when he started out in life on his own account. He is inde- pendent and self-reliant, is keen and prompt in his dealings, yet he is frank and cordial in his manner, and no one is more ready than he to extend a help- ing hand to those who have been less fortunate than himself. In him the township finds a loyal citizen, whose public spirit prompts him to aid in pushing forward every movement for the benefit of the community. His sound common sense is brought to bear upon the political questions of the day, and he favors the Republican party.
W HITMAN R. BENNETT. This gentleman, familiarly known by the title of Captain, acquired while in charge of various steam- boats plying on western rivers, first came to Peoria in 1863. Since that time he has become well known here, having made this his home a number of years. Since 1889, he has been engaged in real-estate deal- ing. combining with it the management of a hard-
ware store. He was born in Philadelphia County, Pa., February 3. 1831, being a son of W. R. and Cornelia (Van Dyke) Bennett, who were like- wise natives of the Keystone State. The Bennetts came originally from England and the Van Dykes from Holland, the latter being among those who fled from persecution in their native land and joined their lot with that of William Penn in the New World.
The boyhood days of our subject were passed in his native city where, after acquiring a fundamen- tal education, he began working in his father's mills. The senior Bennett was a miller and wood- turner and also owned and operated a drug and spice mill. Upon the destruction of the mills by fire, the son turned his attention to the machinist's trade which he duly acquired under a competent master. In 1856, he came West, locating at Ke- wanee, Ill, where he took charge of mills, soon afterward, however, exchanging this business for that of farming which he continued three years. He then came to Peoria where he put up the machinery for E. T. Nowlin & Sons distillery. Then to use an expression common along navigable streams, he "followed the river" for some time.
Capt. Bennett was in command of different boats, at one time running the "Tiger," then the "Ozurkie" and again the "Lady Withup," which was used as a dispatch boat during the war. Dur- ing a portion of the time of his river career he was employed as manager of boats by John II. Howe, of St. Louis, Mo. In 1869, Capt. Bennett left Peoria, returned to his native city, and there engaged in the grain business in which he continued until 1884. Ile then became a real estate-dealer in which occupation he continued after returning to Peoria in 1889. As before stated, he is also the manager of a hardware store, in which a fine trade is carried on.
On October 10, 1852, the interesting ceremony took place which gave Mr. Bennett a wife and Miss Rebecca C. Anderson, of Philadelphia, a husband. The happy union has been blessed by the birth of four daughters. two of whom await their parents on the other shore. The survivors are Mrs. Mary A. Bowers and Mrs. Lizzie Withington, of Philadelphia. Capt. Bennett is a member of several social and
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benevolent orders, among them being the Royal Arcanum; Knights of Golden Eagle; . Order of Sparta and also a Knight Templar. He is a pro- nounced Republican, politically. For several years he was Tax Collector in Philadelphia. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church and one of the twelve persons who started the Calvary Mis- sion on Spencer Street, Peoria. A man of energy, the fact that his speculations have not always suc- ceeded to his liking has not daunted him, but on the contrary served to increase his determination and readiness to try again. Frank, genial, intelli- gent and courteous, his good citizenship and worthy manhood have given him an excellent reputation.
L EVI W. CARTER, M. D). Among the well- established physicians of Peoria none have a better reputation than the gentleman above named, who combines with the technical knowledge acquired in the best schools, a practical skill partially the result of hereditary instincts and partially accruing from his careful experience. Ilis fine personal appearance prepossesses strangers in his favor and acquaintance but strengthens their trust in him as his unassuming manner and nnfail- ing courtesy become known.
Dr. Carter was born in Essex County, Del., May 9, 1835, his parents, William and Susan (Wyatt) Carter, being natives of the same State. Ilis fa- ther was a contractor and builder during his earlier life, later turning his attention to farming. His mother who is still living is now in her seventy- seventh year, but the father died in 1866. The parental family comprised ten children, six of whom are yet living.
The boyhood days of Dr. Carter were spent in Bureau County, Ill., to which his parents had re- moved when he was about four years old. His schooling was obtained in the district schools prior to his twentieth year, when he entered the academy at Galesburg. In that institution he pursued his studies a year after which he took up the study of medieine under Dr. V. S. Thompson. of Wyanet. When his reading was sufficiently advanced he en-
tered Rush Medical College, in Chicago, subse. quently changing to Hahnneman College from which he was graduated in March, 1871.
Upon becoming the possessor of a diploma the young doctor formed a connection with his former preceptor, in Wyanet, Bureau County, but after a time went to Atkinson, Henry County, remaining there twelve years and gaining constantly in skill and repute. A removal was then made to Pekin, this State, and after ten years to Peoria, which has been his home since March, 1882, and the center of an excellent practice. Dr. Carter is a member of Pekin Lodge, No 126, F. & A. M.
A well-built dwelling - of pleasing architectural design at No. 900 Knoxville Avenue, set in the midst of attractive surroundings and presided over by a genial and cultured housewife, is the home of Dr. Carter. llis wife bore the maiden name of Mary S. Giles, her father, O. W. Giles, being a res- ident in Wyanet, Bureau County, at the time of her marriage November 2, 1858. She was born in Seneca County, N. Y., near Lake Geneva, February 10, 1838.
ULIUS S. STARR. This well known resi- dent of Peoria was appointed Internal Rev. enue Collector for the Fifth Collection District of Illinois, embracing eleven coun- ties, in July, 1889, and is discharging the duties of his office in a manner satisfactory to all concerned. lle is numbered among the older settlers of the city, in which for over twenty-five years he prac- ticed law and bore a part in various affairs of a public and private nature, as will be seen by a perusal of these paragraphs.
On November 3, 1833, in Sullivan County, N. Y., the eyes of our subjeet opened to the light of day. During his infancy his parents, Judson and Eliza (Smith) Starr, removed to Middletown, Ohio, where the father died when our subject was but three years old. The lad was early thrown upon his own resources to obtain an education and fit himself for the duties of life. In 1849, when six- teen years old, he came to Peoria County, Ill.,
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working on a farm until 1860, and during this time obtaining a good education. Ile then read law with Col. P. Davidson and Judge Williamson, of Peoria, and was admitted to the bar in 1862.
Mr. Starr at. once located in. Peoria and began to build up a reputation which has extended far beyond the limits of the city. During the years of his activity in the profession he served as City Attorney, and in 1874 was elected to the State Legislature, re-elected in 1876, serving in three sessions. He was Chairman of the committee on Corporations and second member of the Judicial department. Having been elected to represent the element which desired better water-ways, he de- voted himself particularly to work in that line and was quite instrumental in promoting bills for the improvement of the Illinois River and other water- ways of the State. He was also a member of the special committee for the revision of the statutes in 1875.
Mr. Starr was Republican candidate for Con- gress in 1884, but was defeated by one hundred and sixty-two votes by reason of the combination of the Democratic, Prohibition and Greenback parties. Ile has always been an active Republican worker in this district, and none more heartily en- dorse the party principles than he. lle was a mem- ber of the National Convention of 1888, which nominated Gen. Harrison for the Presidency. Mr. Starr is a member of the Selby, Starr & Co. Manu- facturing Company, which was recently incorpor- ated with a capital stock of $75,000, of which our subject owns a half interest, holding the office of Treasurer. The firm was organized in 1872 by Messrs. Starr & Selby, for the manufacture of agri- cultural implements, their works being located at Glendale Park, opposite the fair grounds.
It will thus be seen that Mr. Starr has from a very early period in his life manifested a degree of persistence and determination to reach a high standing, extremely creditable. Ilaving set his mark high on the hill of knowledge, he climbed manfully toward it, and no obstacle was sufficient to change his determination to become the pos- sessor of a cultured mind and to win an honorable place in the learned professions. As is often the case, the school of hard experience only developed
and strengthened his natural abilities and led him to a higher place than he might have filled had his boyhood been passed amid more favorable cir- cumstances, or those which seemed such.
Mr. Starr has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Susan Comstock, a native of Ohio, who died, leaving four children. Subsequently Mr. Starr led to the hymcneal altar, Miss Eveline Burt, of Minneapolis. Minn., who was likewise born in Ohio, and was formerly a resident of Peoria. She is a cultured and accomplished lady, well fitted to share in the reasonable recreations of her husband and enjoy with him all that makes life best worth living. The children of Mr. Starr are: Judson, an attorney of Peoria, who seems likely to continue the legal honor which already accrues to the name; Minnie, wife of H. Pinckney, Treasurer of the Peoria & Pekin Railroad Company; Emma, wife of Charles Robison, of this city; and George, who is still in school, and in the intervals of study is at work as industriously as his father was in early days.
LAVELL SIURTLEFF, one of the promis- ing young business men of Peoria. is con- nected with the firm of Gauss, Shurtleff & Co., who are conducting a thriving grocery trade at No. 207 South Madison Avenue. The business was established at its present location in 1887, and controls a full share of the best trade in that vicin- ity. Mr. Shurtleff has had an experience of seven years in the grocery line, and is well qualified for attending to his particular branch of the business.
A native of. Tazewell County, this State, the sub- ject of this notice was born March 14, 1868, and is a son of N. Shurtleff and Geraldine ( Whit- comb) Shurtleff, who were natives of Tazewell County, and who came to Peoria when their son Flavell was only about one year old. The father was in business for a number of years, but is now deceased. The education of Flavell was obtained in the city schools, and he commenced his business career as a clerk for E. D. Culoer, in 1882, in the same building where he is at present. Ile remained in the same employ until becoming connected with
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Joseph Voorhees
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the present firm. Their trade is steadily on the in- crease. They keep a full line of staple and fancy groceries. and have their store conveniently ar- ranged for the rapid transaction of business. Mr. Shurtleff is a straightforward and reliable young man, prominent in both social and business circles, a member of the First Congregational Church, and highly spoken of by all who know him.
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OSEPH VOORIIEES. Peoria County em- braces one of the richest farming regions the sun ever shone on, and owes a great debt of gratitude to its noble, hardy, capa- ble pioneer farmers, who have been potent factors in laying the enduring foundation of its present prosperity. As a fine representative of one of these it gives us pleasure to place on the pages of this BIOGRAPINCAL ALBUM, a brief account of the life, and to present on the opposite page a portrait of Mr. Voorhees, who was a early settler of Kicka- poo Township. Here he has improved one of the finest farms in this part of the county, beautifully located on section 6, where he lives in the enjoy- ment of the comforts of a pleasant and well-ordered home.
The paternal ancestors of our subject originated in Holland, and the family made its appearance in this country in Colonial times, being among the early settlers of New Jersey. The members of the family threw in their lot with the Colonists during the Revolution, and bore an honorable part in the struggle for freedom. Garrett Voorhees, the father of our subjeet, was a native of Somerset County, N. J., born June 9, 1763, and his death occurred near Reading, Ohio, at the remarkably ad- vanced age of ninety-nine years. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Jerusha Rugg, who was of English antecedents, and is thought to have been born on Long Island. After her marriage to the father of our subject they settled in Hamilton County, Ohio, where he carried on the occupation of a farmer, and where they made their home until death.
Our subject was the eldest of the three sons
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born to his parents; Hamilton County, Ohio, was the place of his birth, and February 2, 1814, the date thereof. He was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and continued an inmate of the par- ental household until he was about twenty-four years old. In 1839 he abandoned his native State and came to Illinois to continne in a more newly settled country the pioneer life to which he had been bred. He resided in Peoria County for a few months, and then returned to his native State, whence he came in the fall of 1841 to take up his permanent residence here. He purchased a tract of land on section 6, Kickapoo Township, which is now incorporated in his present farm. He has de- voted himself very assiduously to farming and stock-raising, and was also successfully engaged in the manufacture of brick, his kiln being on his farm. This was in 1850, when he made the brick for his house. Ile has been more than ordinarily successful in his career, has accumulated a hand- some property, and is numbered among the wealthy, substantial citizens of the county. He has a large and valuable farm of five hundred and fifty acres, which he has put under a high state of cultivation and supplied with a neat set of substantial farm buildings. He has erected a commodious briek honse, in place of the old log cabin in which he and his wife spent the first nine years of their wedded life.
Mr. Voorhees was married in Peoria, March 10, 1840, to Miss Sarah Rynerson. She was a daugh- ter of Minney and "Sarah (Carroll) Rynerson, na- tives of New Jersey, and among the early settlers of Peoria County. They continued to live in this county until the time of their death, both dying in Rosefield Township. Mrs. Voorhees was born near Scipio, Franklin County, Ind., August 19, 1823. October 14, 1889, in the sixty-seventh year of her age, after a peaceful and happy wedded life of nearly forty years, death took her from the cares and joys that she had so long shared with our sub . ject. She left behind her the record of a life spent in well doing, and her memory will ever be cher- ished by all who knew her. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and faithful to all that belongs to true Christian womanhood.
Mr. Voorhees is the father of twelve children,
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of whom the following three are living-Garrett II., who married Miss Emily Cook, and resides in in Stark County; William M., who married Mary Simpson and resides in Peoria; and Joseph M., who is at home with his father. The names of the deceased are: John R., who died when about two years; Jerusha A., who died when about two years old ; Laura A .. who died when one year old; Al. gernon A., who died at the age of two years; Martha A., who died at the age of two years; Elizabeth, Joseph E., Maria Il. and Charles E. died in infancy.
Mr. Voorhees' life career has been distinguished by rare energy and stability of character, and prompt and systematic business habits, combined with honorable and conscientious dealing. He en- joys a high personal standing throughout the county, and holds a warm place in the hearts of hosts of friends. He is a man of intelligence and much information, and possesses broad views of life. Though not a member of any church, he generously supports them, sincerely believing that the world is better for the religion taught within their walls, and he has a sincere respect for a true Christian wherever found. It is said of Mr. Voor- hees that, "It is very seldom, indeed, that we meet with one who has led so temperate a life;" from his boyhood up he has never used tobacco or liquor, and we may add, he is now reaping the reward of his tem- perance in the enjoyment of sound physical and mental health. Mr. Voorhees is a pronounced ad. herent of the Democratic party, and has always been one of its most intelligent and liberal sup- porters.
G EORGE A. THOMPSON. Too much credit can scarcely be given those who formed the vanguard of civilization, borc the brunt of . privation and arduous toil necessary in opening up a new country, and who, having seen the fruition of their hopes, are in their declining years enjoying the worldly prosperity they so well deserve and the esteem of all who recognize the worth of their ef- forts. Among such men an honored rank is held by the gentleman above-named, who is the oldest
of the pioneers of Brimfield Township now living. HIe resides on section 35, where he located upon coming to this county in 1842. The land which was then raw prairie whose surface had never been broken by a plow, is now under excellent tillage, marked with a good line of farm buildings and made valuable by intelligent and persevering ef- forts.
The natal day of our subject was August 26, 1814, and his birthplace the city of New York. He was the fourth son in the family of Samuel and Mary`(Hankins) Thompson, who were likewise na- tives of the Empire State. The father was a dealer in stoves, copper and brass, and our subject was brought up in the store with him. He obtained his education in public and private schools in his native city, where he continued to reside until the spring of 1838. He then emigrated to Illinois, locating in Adams County, where he spent four years engaged in farming, after which he changed his location to Peoria County, identified himself with the pioneers in Brimfield Township, and ere long became known far and wide as a man of undaunted spirit, indomi- table energy and unflagging industry. The home- stead which he now occupies comprises eighty-five and one-half acres, quite sufficient while well handled to afford the comforts and many luxuries of life, while not unduly burdensome in control and oversight.
In the building up of his fortunes Mr. Thomp- son has been ably assisted by his good wife, who for more than half a century has made his home the dearest spot on earth. She bore the maiden name of Esther M. Batterson and became his wife March 25, 1838. She was born in Greene County, N. Y., March 19, 1818, being a daughter of Morris and Betsey A. (Long) Batterson, natives of Con- necticut. IIer father was a boot and shoe merchant who. on account of his health, kept his store in Natchez, Miss., some thirty-six years, although the home of the family was at Coxsackie, N. Y. He died in the Empire State June 29, 1855.
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of five children, the youngest of whom, Emma A., is still living with them. A daughter, Adeline F., has been removed by death, and the other members of the family are living in homes of their own. Mary
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E. is the wife of James C. Coolidge, of Oakland, Cal .: Morris B. lives in Osborn County, Kan .; Anne J. is the wife of J. R. Clark, of Elmwood Township.
Mr. Thompson has frequently been solicited to accept important township. offices but preferring the quiet of his home, steadfastly declines. He is a member of the Republican party, a supporter of every movement which promises to benefit the peo- ple in material, moral or educational matters, and with his wife an active member of society. In Adams County, Mrs. Thompson, in company with a physician's wife there, did much good in visiting and caring for the sick, whose comfort at that time depended almost entirely upon the neighborly kindness and good offices of the settlers. We are pleased to represent this esteemed couple, who in their declining life are enjoying the fruits of years of usefulness and well-doing, whose home is a standing monument to their industry and perse- verance, and whose reputation is a still greater tes- timonial to their worth.
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